Fort Wayne Bulk Trash Pickup Rules
Bulk pickup is listed as available for up to 3 items per collection. Bulk trash collection is included in monthly solid waste fees but must be scheduled at least 2 business days in advance. Up to 3 bulky items per appointment. Mattresses and box springs MUST be fully wrapped in plastic bags.
Fort Wayne bulk pickup rules
| Collection rule | Bulk trash collection is included in monthly solid waste fees but must be scheduled at least 2 business days in advance. Up to 3 bulky items per appointment. Mattresses and box springs MUST be fully wrapped in plastic bags. |
|---|---|
| Limit per pickup | 3 items |
| Permitted materials | No unconditional accepted-material list is verified. Confirm eligibility before putting items out. |
| Advance notice | Required before collection. |
| Dispatch phone | (260) 427-8311 |
Mattress bagging rule: Mattresses must be bagged under the listed rules. Confirm the required plastic encasement before pickup.
Allowed vs. disallowed bulk materials
Furniture
Not verifiedLocal curbside rules are not verified. Ask the sanitation office whether this material is accepted and whether a separate appointment is required.
Appliances
Not verifiedLocal curbside rules are not verified. Ask the sanitation office whether this material is accepted and whether a separate appointment is required.
Construction debris
Not verifiedLocal curbside rules are not verified. Ask the sanitation office whether this material is accepted and whether a separate appointment is required.
How to throw away a mattress in Fort Wayne
Follow the listed bulk rule: Bulk trash collection is included in monthly solid waste fees but must be scheduled at least 2 business days in advance. Up to 3 bulky items per appointment. Mattresses and box springs MUST be fully wrapped in plastic bags.
Special disposal mandates
Plastic mattress encasement: Mattress bagging is required under the listed rules. Confirm the required plastic bag or encasement and sealing instructions with dispatch before collection.
Freon sticker for refrigerant appliances: Not required under the listed rules. Appliances containing Freon (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers) are not accepted through municipal bulk collection and must be serviced by private licensed appliance haulers.
Local disposal alternatives in Allen County
For items that cannot go at the curb, check these official disposal resources. Confirm accepted materials, residency requirements, fees, and hours before visiting.
Fort Wayne Biosolids Handling Facility
6202 Lake Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46815
Municipal facility offering yard waste drop-off, compost, and mulch for Fort Wayne residents.
Allen County Solid Waste District Household Hazardous Waste Facility
2260 Carroll Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46818
County hazardous waste facility receiving paints, cleaners, pesticides, and electronics from residents.
The nearest eligible transfer station or landfill depends on your address and the material. These resources are not ranked by distance.
DPW & sanitation contact
City of Fort Wayne Solid Waste Management · municipal dpw
Phone: (260) 427-8311
200 E Berry StFort Wayne, IN 46802
These collection rules cover Zone Curbside Automated Routes (Mon-Fri by Street Address).
Trash & recycling questions
What days is trash collected in Fort Wayne, IN?
Listed trash collection days are Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday and Friday. Set containers out Place carts at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your collection day and no earlier than noon the day prior. Remove carts by noon the day following collection. Allow 3 feet of clearance around each cart.. These rules apply to Zone Curbside Automated Routes (Mon-Fri by Street Address).
Is garbage pickup delayed for holidays in Fort Wayne?
As of 2026-09-23: No observed holidays this week. Collections follow the regular schedule. A listed holiday shifts that day and the remaining collection days in its service week by one day. Observed holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day. These rules apply to Zone Curbside Automated Routes (Mon-Fri by Street Address).
How do I schedule bulk trash pickup in Fort Wayne?
Bulk trash collection is included in monthly solid waste fees but must be scheduled at least 2 business days in advance. Up to 3 bulky items per appointment. Mattresses and box springs MUST be fully wrapped in plastic bags. The listed limit is 3 items per pickup. Advance notice is required. Contact sanitation at (260) 427-8311 to confirm eligibility and arrange service. These rules apply to Zone Curbside Automated Routes (Mon-Fri by Street Address).
What items are accepted for recycling in Fort Wayne?
The listed accepted materials are Corrugated cardboard and paperboard packaging (flattened), Newspapers, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, and office paper, Plastic bottles, tubs, and jugs (#1 through #7, rinsed clean), Aluminum and tin food and beverage cans, Glass jars and bottles of all colors (emptied and rinsed). Keep these listed prohibited items out: Plastic bags and plastic film (recyclables must be loose inside cart), Polystyrene foam / Styrofoam food packaging and peanuts, Hazardous household chemicals, automotive oil, and paint, Household electronics and rechargeable batteries, Yard waste, leaves, branches, and food scraps. Confirm item-specific preparation rules with the official sanitation office. These rules apply to Zone Curbside Automated Routes (Mon-Fri by Street Address).